Anderson Residence

CLIENT: Private Residence, Windsor

When Hazel and Darryl Coalter came to Amelia Lee of DC8 Studio, they intended to do the quintessential Brisbane renovation to house their growing family ….. raise the existing Windsor Queenslander and build in underneath.  Given that the existing house is oriented north-to-street and non-compliant in its boundary setbacks, this was always going to be challenging.

Instead, we proposed leaving the house exactly where it was and suggested adding a pavilion to the rear of the property that uses clerestory glazing and voids to capture northern light over the top of the existing house and ‘feed’ it into the new living spaces.  The new “Backyard Box” is a contemporary extension that contains new living areas and bedrooms, whilst the existing house has had minor modifications to create additional bedrooms and bathroom, as well as some offstreet parking.  The internal stair tucks under the roofline of the existing house, creating a threshold and a transition zone between old and new.  A two storey void over the living area and outdoor room with glazing to both storeys is a sun-filled volume courtesy of high-level glazing which is oriented north to maximise solar access to these areas.

The pavilion addition enables several opportunities:  detailing and materials are not constricted by the envelope and character of the existing Queenslander; we can create a modern addition that has a harmonious relationship with the existing dwelling but doesn’t need to mimic its architecture; and we can create new spaces and volumes that maximise access to sun and light.  Minimal disturbance of the existing dwelling reduces the potential for unanticipated challenges and costs that can be uncovered during construction and the budget can be spent on new construction instead.

Hazel and Darryl Coalter love their new home and had this to say about their experience with DC8 Studio: 

Amelia Lee (Architect DC8) designed an extensive renovation to our three bedroom cottage in 2010. We found Amelia to be understanding and proactive and helped to deliver exactly what we wanted to achieve with our renovations. 

From the outset she was quick to understand the brief and provided us with options to consider, working with us to achieve the desired outcome, within the designated budget and most importantly within the tight timescales we provided.

Amelia worked to maximise the design outcome whilst still achieving the requirements of the QDC building parameters inturn minimalising potential delays in respect of planning approvals.  The final design achieved a solution for the site that was exceptional.

During construction Amelia provided outstanding advice and support during both the negotiation and implementation stages of the project. 

We are very happy with the services Amelia provided.  Her experience, enthusiasm and attention to detail cannot be faulted.  We would not hesitate to use her services again in the future.

View of “Backyard Box” from rear yard.  Extensive glazing provides great surveillance over garden and light penetration of living areas.

Double-height void over outdoor room and living area with clerestory glazing visible beyond.  Master suite has views out into outdoor room and screening maintains privacy from neighbours.

Internal stair which creates connection and transition zone between old and new.

Northern clerestory glazing provides beautiful solar access to the double height living areas, and the upper floor gallery gives space over to a library zone.

A view of the sky from the living areas as the clerestory fills the space with sunlight.  Raked ceilings maximise opportunities for light.